Principal

Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy is inviting applications for a distinguished educational leader to take on the role of Elementary School Principal, starting in August 2025. Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy (AZIA) is an independent elementary institution guided by the principles and values of the Islamic faith, delivering a comprehensive and balanced educational program aligned with BC's redesigned curriculum. The academy is dedicated to fostering both spiritual and academic excellence among its students and is currently recognized among the top 15% of schools in British Columbia. The school places great emphasis on its collaboration with parents and the broader community. AZIA is classified as a Group 1 independent school under the guidelines of the BC Ministry of Education, having opened its doors in September 2003, and currently serves students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 7.

Situated within the Az-Zahraa Islamic Center in Richmond, BC, the school features a beautiful mosque, extensive library, playgrounds, and a full-sized gymnasium. AZIA attracts students from Richmond, New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey, and the Tri-Cities. The academy is committed to providing its growing community of over 250 students with (i) a robust foundation of Islamic values, nurturing their faith both in thought and practice, (ii) an exceptional educational journey, and (iii) the skills necessary to engage confidently and effectively in society. With a focus on developing strong individuals and members of society, AZIA seeks to instill Islamic wisdom and practices in its students, encouraging meaningful pursuits in spiritual, intellectual, artistic, technological, athletic, and service-oriented endeavors. Each student is recognized and challenged, with an emphasis on empowering them to become courageous, compassionate thinkers and leaders who understand their impact on their community and beyond. The school fosters an atmosphere of respect, care, and support, promoting independence, resilience, mindfulness, and innovative thinking across all age groups.

Our dedicated staff consists of 40 enthusiastic and committed professionals who bring significant strength to the school. They are highly qualified educators dedicated to ensuring an exceptional educational experience for students and strive to provide quality daily experiences. Staff members are encouraged to take on leadership roles in their areas of expertise, supporting each other in their pursuit of excellence. Over recent years, while still developing its programs, AZIA has seen notable success and growth. Our curricular and co-curricular programs are driven by a talented staff team. The close-knit administrative team is composed of skilled individuals who collaborate with teaching staff to cultivate an environment that aligns with the mission and vision of the academy.

AZIA operates as a community-oriented school, promoting children's education through collaboration with the wider community. A robust educational program will help to develop a strong Muslim community, and a supportive community that invests in the educational and religious needs of its members will enhance the school's quality. Therefore, establishing strong, positive relationships with the Az-Zahraa community and other Muslim communities is vital. Joint activities, programs, and competitions with neighboring schools and outside communities further strengthen these ties. The school is supported by a dedicated Board, committed parent volunteers, and loyal community members who participate actively. Parental involvement is a cornerstone of our success, as engaged parents contribute to developing inspired students.

For the past two decades, the collective aim of Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy's staff, board, parents, students, and community has been to establish an outstanding educational institution with a unique culture. Looking ahead, the school is excited to pursue its vision: to be acknowledged as a premier institution that provides a solid foundation of Islamic values, an exceptional educational experience, and the skills to engage confidently and effectively in society. The new principal will be instrumental in leading the school towards this vision and will receive full support in guiding the institution through its next developmental phase.

The Position: Principal of School

AZIA is in search of a visionary, dedicated, and effective Principal. The Principal will oversee the leadership and daily operations of AZIA, which serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7, while implementing the school’s mission, strategic framework, policies, and procedures collaboratively developed with the School Board. The goal is to ensure that all students are supervised in a dynamic, nurturing, and secure Islamic learning environment that aspires to educational excellence. The compensation package for the Principal will include a salary 5% above the B.C. Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) standard, along with an RRSP program and comprehensive benefits.

The Principal’s responsibilities include:

General
- Promoting an atmosphere of instructional excellence rooted in Islamic values and principles
- Ensuring compliance with B.C. Ministry of Education regulations and standards
- Committing to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining high-quality teaching faculty and staff
- Consistently applying best practices in education, curriculum, and assessments to enhance student engagement and learning
- Collaborating closely with the School’s Islamic Studies Director to foster an environment that promotes Islamic values and thought among students
- Prioritizing student well-being and safety; addressing student concerns; providing support for diverse learning needs
- Inspiring and supporting students and staff to achieve their full potential
- Annually creating a School Plan aligned with the school’s strategic objectives and priorities identified in collaboration with the School Board and staff
- Overseeing effective communication within the school and with parents
- Building relationships with neighboring schools, local school districts, and associate secondary schools to support community integration and student transitions
- Efficiently managing the operations of the facilities and school organization
- Overseeing and being accountable for school-based budgets in close partnership with the School Board Treasurer
- Encouraging parent involvement in events and supporting school goals through the Parent Volunteer Group
- Designing and implementing fundraising and volunteer strategies, programs, and events

Educator
- Serving as the educational leader of AZIA by providing guidance and direction for academic and co-curricular programs in accordance with Islamic laws and practices, inspiring students to excel, and encouraging staff to develop their strengths and skills.

Visionary Leader
- Upholding AZIA’s educational mission, ensuring that the school continues to offer an exceptional experience for students while maintaining a balance among academics, arts, technology, athletics, and co-curricular activities with a strong foundation in Islam. In partnership with the Board, Islamic Studies Directors, staff, and administration, the Principal will work towards developing and implementing the School’s long-range strategic plan, report on operations to the Board, and provide vision and guidance for the future of the School. The Principal will uphold AZIA’s reputation for excellence and celebrate Islamic culture while ensuring the School evolves as an innovative, world-class learning environment.

Relationship Builder
- Taking a genuine interest in students, motivating them to reach their potential while maintaining a nurturing environment that responds to their needs and those of AZIA’s broader community. Maintaining excellent relationships and communication with all constituent groups within the School community—students, staff, parents, the Board, community, and alumni. Acting as an active, dynamic spokesperson and ambassador for AZIA among various professional organizations, other independent schools, and external stakeholders, including university administrators, media, and government officials.

Manager and Administrator
- Ensuring the school’s continued financial stability while leading campus and enrollment growth. Continuing to enhance policies and procedures governing AZIA’s operations while promoting a culture of accountability, consistency, clarity, and transparency in decision-making and implementation. Mentoring and challenging staff by creating a collaborative environment where all are encouraged to participate and assume leadership roles; guiding the entire staff team through recruitment, motivation, feedback, evaluations, and ongoing professional development.

The BC School Superintendents Association Framework for Professional Learning (https://bcssa.org/abo